steps for a good confession

Parents, please review beforehand the steps to making a good confession:

1. Examine your conscience. Here is a link to an examination guide.
2. Admit your sins.
3. Decide not to sin again.
4. Tell your sins to a priest.
5. Perform the penance given to you.
6. Pray each day together the Act of Contrition.

act of contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

or

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen.